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Topic Review (Newest First)

12-14-2007 07:56 PM

123pugsy

Don't forget the tunes. That's the second thing I turn on after the lights when I go out. That insulation comes in handy when a good tune comes on and you feel like cranking it up.

12-14-2007 05:24 PM

leldai73

I find the tools I use the most are the basic hand tools, wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screw drivers, pliers and vise grips. Also a bench grinder, right angle grinder, cordless drill, good set of drill bits, a drop light, oxy acetylene torch set, and a mig welder. a chop saw is nice, but a hack saw or a cut off wheel for the afore mentioned right angle grinder will work. as far as a lift goes its great...really really great, once you have one you will never go back. but to call it essential is a stretch. lots of people have gotten by with a floor jack and jack stands. if your converting a barn be sure to get a good cement pad poured ABOVE grade so that water isn't coming in all the time we fight a constant battle with that at our shop. and as mentioned before insulation and heat, maybe a wood stove with the cost of oil going up. once you get the basics and start a few projects you'll be able to figure out what else you need....and how could i forget, the least appreciated tool in the shop, that we all should (but most likely don't) use every time we're in the shop...a push broom to clean up when we're done. on that note, its nice to have lots of shelves, bins, drawers and pegs for storing things. keep it all organized right form the start that way your not reduced to paths around the shop.

12-13-2007 08:25 PM

smoke

Dont forget an exaust system or cutous in the doors. I dont know what the codes would be in your state.

12-13-2007 07:35 PM

GunnerTHB

Cable where I live? hahaha lol thats funny

We'll see about all that....essentials first

12-13-2007 06:52 PM

Blackdog

You'll need a TV also. Get cable service too. A shop is worthless without a TV.

12-13-2007 06:11 PM

GunnerTHB

lol all good ideas thanks a bunch gents...hope to be able to share some roddin stories with yall soon

12-13-2007 10:53 AM

Kevin45

Quote:

Regardless what you do, maintenance or metalwork, you need a set of Gear Wrench metric and standard, and a BFH

Most definately a BFH. LOL!!! Seriously....look at a Compo-Cast Ball Pien Deadblow hammer. Once you swing one of these babies you may want to toss all those fiberglass hammers. Great feel and balance.

12-11-2007 09:48 AM

fitzwell

A refrigerator

12-11-2007 01:16 AM

Twisted Minis

Regardless what you do, maintenance or metalwork, you need a set of Gear Wrench metric and standard, and a BFH.

12-09-2007 11:03 PM

Rambo_The_Dog

Quote:

Originally Posted by GunnerTHB

Hey guys we're gonna be converting our barn next year to a shop and I was just wondering what tools you guys thought were for sure needed for a shop? Thanks a bunch

Really - start with what I call the "Building Tools" - these are tools or equipment that the building would need or certain design considerations might need to be accounted for.

Insulation: More the better for noise reduction and heating cooling costs - as well as making it easier to maintain an even temp and humidity,

Lighting: Get the 100watt 8ft flourescents at least. they use the same rought watts as a 60w fixture and really give off more light.

Heating: If you can afford it and you're pouring a floor I hear the radiant floor heating is pretty good these days - otherwise I'd get NG or LPG Infrared Tube Style heaters

Automotive Lift: you want to make sure you think about 1 of these first if you want one and you have to pour and concrete as you want the floor thick enough and strong enough to bolt one down. (I curse every time I have to get my fat, old bones down on the cold cement floor, crawl around in the filth - wishing I had a lift)

Air Compressor: If you need one for framing - may as well buy one big enough for the shop. Installing it outside or away from the work area takes planning beforehand.

Garage Doors: If I went to buy some I would spend the extra and get single the rollup style - where the door rolls up at the header of the doorway instead of the conventional style that roll back on tracks - the conventional style blocks many lighting and heating choices.

Once this is covered you'd have a near dream shop right from the start IMHO!

Then I can start spending you money on a list of tools to fill your garage up with!

12-09-2007 05:29 PM

SteveU

Probably best to decide what type of work you want to do & go from there. Are you going to do metal fabrication, general maintainance work like oil changes, tuneups, tire rotations, exhaust work, or something like engine building, modifying vehicles by doing liftkits, etc?

General work like the tuneup & oil change you can get by with a set of decent handtools like combination wrenches, 3/8" ratchet & sockets a set of car ramps & a drain pan. Throw in a floor jack & set of jack stands and you can do tire rotation/changes, minor exhaust work, brake pads & such.

An air compressor & air tools will make most jobs easier & will make it possible to do jobs that you can't without one. Stay away from anything oiless in compressors & don't bother with cheap impact guns, both will be frustrating to use & in the case of the compressor will be so loud you will want/need hearing protection to be around it & if you have close neighbors they might have issues with it.

12-09-2007 05:14 PM

NEW INTERIORS

Almost everything!!!No just joking,It depends what you are going to do.

12-09-2007 04:49 PM

GunnerTHB

What tools do you think are necessary for a personal auto shop?

Hey guys we're gonna be converting our barn next year to a shop and I was just wondering what tools you guys thought were for sure needed for a shop? Thanks a bunch